For therapists, grasping the nuanced distinctions between OCD and other anxiety disorders is vital for accurate diagnosis, leading to the most effective treatment and swift relief. This precision can significantly shorten the challenges many individuals endure before discovering...

In the world of mental health, the roles of Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are not just essential, but pivotal in guiding individuals through the complexities of their mental health challenges. As frontline professionals, we...

In the hushed confines of therapy rooms, where whispered truths echo and one's inner world unfolds, therapists often find themselves facing an unspoken adversary—fear. It's a fear that grips tightly, yet therapists may hold back on discussing this in professional circles. This post...

Exploring the critical role that ethics play in the field of mental health and the impact it has on both professionals and their clients.

Understanding the Concept and...

When consulting with mental and physical health clinicians, a disconnect exists between clinical expectations and the reality of comorbidity between Autism, substance use disorders (SUD), and disordered eating (DE). Research suggests that the risk of addiction is at least two-fold...

In working with a diverse range of helping professionals, including undergraduate psychology students, fellow counselors (and other mental health professionals), and law enforcement personnel, a common thread keeps showing up: many of us seek out these careers because of a deep...

Discover clinical approaches and skills for effectively working with LGBTQ populations in therapy sessions.

The importance of LGBTQ COMPETENCE in Mental Health

Being a culturally competent mental health professional is crucial when working with LGBTQ populations. LGBTQ individuals...

Let's explore the impact of Trauma-Informed Therapy in addressing mental health issues and understanding trauma responses in relation to our client's presenting problems.

The Intersection of the Nervous System and Mental Health

Trauma-informed therapy explains the connection...

Here’s a question to consider—Are you a therapist’s therapist? Do you advocate for other therapists, and do you offer beneficence when the opportunity presents itself? An even better question to ponder--What do we owe each other when it comes to our professional identities and...

One of the greatest pleasures I have in life are the friendships I've made along the way in my journey to becoming a therapist. For the most part, Counselor Education graduate programs tend to be small in size to ensure optimal quality of it's participants. From that comes the...

In the realm of therapy, there exists a dance, a rhythmic ebb and flow, where connection is fostered through attunement. This dance is a crucial part of the the therapuetic process. But how does attunement occur when we introduce the concept of accountability and treatment...

As I continue to evolve in my professional identity, a lingering question has begun to consume my thoughts. Despite the extensive training and education that Counselor Education graduate students receive, along with the emphasis on ethical considerations and best practices, there...

I feel a sense of shame sharing intense emotions, so I keep them to myself. However, it is humanly impossible to avoid feeling. It is a natural part of being human, that is shaped by our personal histories, and provides a map of our desires.

It's time to break my silence and...

Consultation within the context of mental health is something every therapist should be familiar with and engage in--yet there is this anxious response that can sometimes be elicited from newer practitioners who may feel intimidated by the prospect of collaborating with other...

As I delve into the world of Neurodiversity - Affirming Therapy, I find myself questioning my personal approach to this theory. Am I truly a Neurodiversity - Affirming Therapist? There, I said it - it feels liberating. There is something cumbersome about the theory, like I am...

Neurodiversity affirming therapy is a relatively new approach to mental health care that seeks to celebrate and embrace neurological differences. It recognizes and validates the different ways that individuals process information, emotions, and experiences. As a result, it allows...

Any show on cults I fervishly watch in disbelief, fascination, and awe. It will suck me in, as I try to figure out the allure of its participants and the creation of their leaders. The two together create horrific outcomes that include cultural abuse, emotional abuse, often...

When I first entered this profession, I carried a constant sense of inadequacy. Who was I to sit in "the chair" and help others? This feeling drove me to seek countless trainings, but it took a toll on my mental health. My anxiety and perfectionism skyrocketed, and I found solace...

As a therapist, one of the most important things we can do for our clients is to provide trauma-informed care, and it is specifically useful with neurodivergent individuals. Many people struggle with the impact of trauma and are neurodivergent. Trauma symptoms and neurodivergent...

Trauma is a word that has been gaining more attention and importance in our society and in the therapy treatment world. We (therapists) all know what trauma is... an overwhelming psychological and emotional response to an event or series of events that causes the brain to “push the...

If you're a mental health professional, you probably took an oath to do no harm. But when it comes to working with transgender clients and navigating gender-affirming care, it can be tough to know what's ethical, what's not, and how to best support your clients' needs. You might...

When working with clients from the LGBT community, it's important to remember your professional values and act ethically. This means following a code of conduct that respects each person's rights and treats everyone fairly. Being ethical when providing therapy to LGBT clients is an...

Sex related issues are sensitive topics that may be difficult for individuals to discuss. That is why it is important for therapists to possess the necessary competency and knowledge to address such issues in therapy. There is a distinction to be made, however, when presenting...

As therapists, we often see a wide range of clients with varying backgrounds and experiences. However, one aspect that may be overlooked is neurodivergence. Neurodivergence is a term used to describe people whose neurological development and functioning might differ from what is...

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that causes individuals to have persistent and intrusive thoughts, known as obsessions, along with repeating compulsions in order to reduce the anxiety associated with them. While OCD is highly treatable, it often goes...

Most of us join this profession because we truly want to help. To be present with another's suffering and healing is such a powerful experience. There is so much meaning and purpose in what we do! But with all this meaning comes the other side of our job, the curse some might say,...

I love food and the joy of flavors- hot, sweet, sour, salty with temperatures warm and cold, while having different textures with each bite. There is so much in a good meal. Therapists are the same way. We each have our own flavor, temperature, and texture, which creates our way of...